Two Irish airlines – Aer Arann and Aer Lingus – have started direct services from Birmingham International Airport to Shannon, on the West coast of Ireland.

It is the second phase of the airlines’ franchise agreement with the airport, coming two months after the launch of flights to Dublin and Cork.

Starting on July 1, Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, will provide direct flights to Shannon from Birmingham six days a week.

Speaking at the launch of the route at Shannon Airport, Aer Arann chief executive Paul Schütz said: “We are delighted to launch the second phase of our franchise operations with Aer Lingus, including a direct link from Birmingham to the Midwest of Ireland. We are providing a unique product that combines the best of both Aer Arann and Aer Lingus and offers both business and leisure passengers a quality service with excellent frequency.”

Under the franchise agreement between the two airlines Aer Lingus Regional flights are operated by Aer Arann using its own ATR 72-500 aircraft and crew. All franchise flights are sold and distributed through the Aer Lingus website. Aer Arann assumes full operational and commercial responsibility for the services covered by the franchise agreement with Aer Lingus receiving a franchise fee.